Engineering & ArchitectureO*NET: 17-3025.00
Will AI Replace Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians?
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientists. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
58out of 100
Medium Risk
AI Risk Score
58/100
Risk Level
Medium
Job Zone
4/5
Advanced
Total Tasks Analyzed
12
🤖 What AI Can Do
- ▸Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- ▸Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
- ▸Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
- ▸Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.
- ▸Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
- ▸Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
👤 What Requires Humans
- ▸Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
Task Breakdown
🤖AI Can Automate (7)
- Maintain project logbook records or computer program files.
- Record laboratory or field data, including numerical data, test results, photographs, or summaries of visual observations.
- Produce environmental assessment reports, tabulating data and preparing charts, graphs, or sketches.
- Maintain process parameters and evaluate process anomalies.
- Review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to requirements.
- Prepare permit applications or review compliance with environmental permits.
- Review work plans to schedule activities.
👤Requires Humans (1)
- Perform environmental quality work in field or office settings.
⚡AI-Assisted (4)
- Collect and analyze pollution samples, such as air or ground water.
- Decontaminate or test field equipment used to clean or test pollutants from soil, air, or water.
- Prepare and package environmental samples for shipping or testing.
- Receive, set up, test, or decontaminate equipment.
Key Skills Analysis
Reading ComprehensionAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Active Listening
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Critical ThinkingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.88/5.00
Active LearningAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.75/5.00
Speaking
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Science
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Monitoring
Importance: 3.38/5.00
Judgment and Decision MakingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.25/5.00
WritingAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Complex Problem SolvingAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Quality Control AnalysisAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.12/5.00
Time ManagementAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.12/5.00
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Learning Strategies
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Social PerceptivenessAI-Resistant
Importance: 3.00/5.00
Related Occupations
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health
79/100 — High Risk
Environmental Engineers
36/100 — Low Risk
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
40/100 — Medium Risk
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
43/100 — Medium Risk
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
85/100 — Critical Risk
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Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our analysis, Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians have a medium risk of AI replacement with a score of 58/100. While some tasks can be assisted by AI, the core responsibilities require human judgment and skills.
Last updated: 2026-03-28· Data from O*NET 30.2 & Frey/Osborne automation research